US Envoy Huckabee Calls West Bank Settler Attacks 'Act of Terror' During Village Visit

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya on Saturday, where he met with Palestinian American residents who have faced repeated attacks from Israeli settlers. During the visit, Huckabee described such violence as an "act of terror," a term US officials typically reserve for Palestinian militant groups.

Speaking at the village municipality, Huckabee said that individuals who seize property, burn cars, torch mosques, or vandalize homes are committing more than a criminal act. "It extends beyond a criminal act. It's an act of terror," he said, referring to the perpetrators as "terrorists."

The meeting involved around ten Palestinian American residents who shared accounts of how the violence has affected their lives and property, according to the local municipality. Turmus Ayya has reported frequent settler attacks over the past year.

Saturday's visit marks another instance of the ambassador condemning settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations humanitarian office has noted that such attacks have increased since the war in Gaza began following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.